An SDLP councillor has called for a play park residents have been campaigning to get for over two decades to be made a priority.
Derry City and Strabane District Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr said she had recently met a local resident who was just a toddler when the request to have a playpark in the Coshquin area was first made.
Cllr Seenoi-Barr said it was "simply unacceptable" that local government had failed to provide the park.
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She added: "It is unconscionable that residents in this area have been waiting more than two decades for the development of Coshquin Playpark.
"I recently met a man who was just a toddler when the request to have a playpark in Coshquin was first made. That man is now 27 years old with three young children of his own aged 9, 7 and 5 who should be playing in that playpark that he himself was promised as a child. Instead, it remains undelivered and residents are still waiting.
“It is simply unacceptable that our local government has not been able to deliver this project for the people in our community.
"I have pursued this issue with Council officials and although I appreciate their diligent work, the process of seeking funding began three years ago. We must finally get it across the line.
“I have recently been made aware that the Council will be selecting projects for application to the UK Levelling Up Fund and I will be strongly advocating that Coshquin is one of the projects put forward.
"To neglect to include it after all this time would be a betrayal of local people.
"That’s why I have now launched a petition for Coshquin Playpark to be delivered and I would encourage everyone to come together as a community and sign it, to show the strength of feeling in the area. There can be no more excuses or delay for the development of this play park.
"It’s time to give the young people in this neglected area the facilities they desperately need and deserve.”
In response to the SDLP Cllr's comments, a DCSDC spokesperson said it was possible that funding would be sought for the project through the UK Levelling Up Fund.
"[We can] confirm that a playpark for the Coshquin area has been identified as a priority within Council's Draft Play Plan strategy.
"Planning permission for a new park featuring play equipment, safety surfacing, seats, access infrastructure and landscaping works was granted in 2020. Work is ongoing to source the funding needed to deliver the project, including the possibility of support through the UK Levelling Up Fund.
"Coshquin is one of a number of areas in need of new or upgraded play park facilities and Council officers are currently engaging with elected members in each area to understand and prioritise which parks should be included as part of an application to the Levelling Up Fund.
"Outdoor play provision for children is a key priority within Council's Strategic Growth Plan and we will continue to work to deliver suitable facilities that will benefit the health and wellbeing of children right across the Council area."
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